Maxwell's value hits new heights

Not considered part of Australia's best one-day side a little over a year ago, Glenn Maxwell's value as an all-round package may never have been greater leading into this year's World Cup.

The 30-year-old's unique capabilities with the bat were on show in Australia's series-sealing victory on Wednesday as he took the game away from Pakistan with a match-turning cameo of 71 off 55.

The Aussies had slumped to 5-188 when Aaron Finch (90) exited with eight overs remaining, but the right-hander's blazing knock pushed the visitors to 6-266 on an inconsistent Abu Dhabi surface.

"Once 'Finchy' got out it was up to me to make sure I was there for as long as possible towards the end," said Maxwell after Pakistan fell 80 runs short to hand Australia an unassailable 3-0 series lead.

"I got a little bit of luck being dropped (on 27) but to make the most of that and control the back-end was nice and it gives us something we can bowl at."

Maxwell has now played 18 of Australia's last 19 ODIs and while he's had some rocky times with the national setup in recent years, he's now playing as big a role in the 50-over side as ever.

At times, his off-spin had been an afterthought in one-day cricket, but he's played a greater role with the ball since Finch has taken over as captain and with fellow offie Travis Head out of the team.

With his world-class fielding as sharp as ever, in addition to assuming an increased role in assisting Finch tactically, Maxwell shapes as a major weapon for the reigning 50-over world champions in the UK this year.

"Maxi is a player who people expect so much from every time he plays - because he has so much brilliance at times," said Finch.

"But I think what people don't see at times, when they get frustrated with him, is the amount of stuff he does in the field - if he averages 20 in a series, he might save 20 runs in the field as well.

"He bowls overs, gets some wickets. It all adds up to a great package.

"And the fact he's batting at six at the moment - to give us that little bit of extra firepower towards the back end - is something we're conscious of and it's a role he fits really well."

There was endless commentary and analysis during the summer on how high Maxwell should bat and what role he should play in the one-day team.

But his innings on Wednesday was a perfect illustration of how he can still have a major influence on 50-over games batting in the lower-order.

With world cricket thin on high-quality specialist finishers, a role the likes of Jos Buttler and MS Dhoni have come to define in recent years, Finch said Maxwell presents a rare tactical challenge for opposing teams.

"Guys who can hit the ball 360 (degrees) are so hard to bowl to, as a captain they're a nightmare. There's a handful of them in the world now," said Finch.

"You've got Jos Buttler who can scoop you over the keeper's head, but also hit over mid-off. They're two obvious places where you always have a fielder up when you've got five (fielders outside the 30-yard circle).

"When you need both of them out - it creates some problems. Maxi is no different to that."

Having developed his captaincy with Big Bash club Melbourne Stars, Maxwell has become his close friend Finch's go-to man for ensuring players' strengths are best utilised in the field.

"I probably take care of certain positions for certain players, making sure the right guys are the right position at the right time," Maxwell explained. "And that just takes a load off his (Finch's) shoulders.

"He's got a lot to work on with bowling changes, the numbers going through his head and making sure the right guys are bowling the right overs. I just make sure the right people are in the right spots."

Added a smiling Finch: "Being two Victorians, we have our fair share of dust ups out there as well, which isn't uncommon in the Victorian sheds.

"It's a good asset to have."

Qantas Tour of the UAE

First ODI: Australia won by eight wickets

Second ODI: Australia won by eight wickets

Third ODI: Australia won by 80 runs

Fourth ODI: v Pakistan, March 29 in Dubai

Fifth ODI: v Pakistan, March 31 in Dubai

(all matches begin at 10pm AEDT)